Atmospheric
and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC)

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About Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

About
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences offers, at the
undergraduate level, a broad range of courses and degree programs in
atmospheric science (meteorology). At the postgraduate level, programs of study are offered
in physical oceanography, air-sea interaction, and climate research as well as
in different branches of atmospheric science. The study of atmospheric science
is based largely on physics and applied mathematics. All required courses
except those at the introductory level generally have prerequisites or
corequisites in physics, mathematics, and atmospheric science. One of the goals
of the discipline is to develop the understanding necessary to improve our
ability to predict the weather, but atmospheric science is more than weather
forecasting.

Another important area of study focuses on the possible changes in
global climate caused by the changing chemical composition of the atmosphere.
The approach is always quantitative. Like other parts of physics, atmospheric
science attempts to create theoretical models of its complex processes as a
means of analyzing the motion and composition of the air, its thermodynamic
behaviour, and its interaction with radiation and with the solid or liquid
surface beneath it.

From one viewpoint, the atmosphere may be studied as a large volume
of gas by the methods of fluid mechanics: winds, circulation patterns,
turbulence, and energy and momentum exchanges are the ideas employed in this
approach. Alternatively, the atmosphere may be studied from the point of view
of its detailed physics: how water condenses in the air; how cloud droplets
make rain; how sunlight warms the ground and the ground warms the air above it
by radiation and convection; and how the atmosphere and ocean interact to shape
the weather and climate. A comprehensive understanding requires both
viewpoints, and these are reflected in the curriculum.

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences offers four main
programs in Atmospheric Science:

Honours

Major

Minor

Joint Major in
Atmospheric Science and Physics

The Honours program is meant for students with
high standing. It is based on courses similar to those in the Major program,
but provides opportunities to perform research and to take advanced courses. The Major
program, although somewhat less intensive, satisfies the requirements for a
professional career as a meteorologist, and like the Honours program equips the
student to undertake postgraduate study in meteorology, atmospheric science,
and related sciences (physical oceanography) at any of the leading
universities. The Department also offers a special one-year Diploma program to
B.Sc. or B.Eng. graduates.

An undergraduate degree in Atmospheric Science is an excellent background for professional careers in government service or private industry and/or graduate study in the physical sciences. Environment and Climate Change Canada (more specifically the Meteorological Service of Canada) has traditionally been the main employer of graduating students at all levels, but provincial governments, private forecasting companies, environmental consulting and engineering firms, and insurance companies also employ Atmospheric Science graduates. Academic positions in teaching and research are available to M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduates. Students
interested in any of the undergraduate programs should consult:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Major Atmospheric Science
(62 credits)

This Major provides a solid basis for postgraduate study in meteorology, atmospheric physics, or related fields, as well as the necessary preparation for embarking on a professional career as a meteorologist directly after the B.Sc.
...

Diploma (Dip.) Meteorology
(30 credits)

The Department offers an intensive, one-year program in theoretical and applied meteorology to B.Sc. or B.Eng. graduates of suitable standing in physics, applied mathematics or other appropriate disciplines, leading to a Diploma in Meteorology. The program is designed for students with little or no previous background in meteorology who wish to direct their...

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) Related Programs

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) Related Programs

Internship Year in Science (IYS)

Internship Year in
Science (IYS)

IYS is a pregraduate work experience program available to eligible
students and normally taken between their U2 and U3 years. For more
information, see
Science Internships and Field Studies.

The following programs are also available with an internship
component:

Major in Atmospheric Science

Honours in Atmospheric Science

Earth System Science Interdepartmental Major

Earth
System Science Interdepartmental Major

This program is offered by the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic
Sciences; Earth and Planetary Sciences; and Geography.

Students in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
interested in this program should contact Professor Bruno Tremblay (bruno.tremblay [at] mcgill.ca).
For more information, see
Earth System Science (ESYS).